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How to Make a PinataLearn how to make a pinata in a few simple steps.
This time-honored Mexican tradition has become a beloved part of today's kids
parties.
MATERIALS A Large Round or Oval Balloon Newspaper, torn into 1 inch by 6-8" inch
strips Flour and water mixture for paper mache paste Salt Vegetable oil Paint Tissue paper Crepe paper String or yarn for hanging Before you begin, check out this Big Pinata Collection ~ How to Make a Pinata ~ INSTRUCTIONS Prepare your work surface with a layer of newspaper you can discard, or an old plastic tablecloth you can wipe clean of goop and glops which are part of this messy project! Tear several pages of newspaper into strips, approximately 1 inch wide by 6-8 inches long. Don’t try to be neat and cut them with scissors; the torn edges will adhere more closely and give a smoother overall surface to the finished pinata. Paper Mache Recipe: Next, it’s time to prepare the paper mache paste by
using a simple mixture of flour and water. Use a large glass or disposable bowl
to facilitate easy clean-up afterwards. ~ How to Make a Pinata ~ Layering: Blow up your balloon and place it in a shallow bowl to prevent it from rolling as you work on it. Spray or brush on a light coating of vegetable oil to keep the balloon from adhering to the newspaper when you pop it. Dip a newspaper strip into the flour mixture to coat, and apply it to the balloon at an angle vertically, and overlapping. Continue this process until the entire balloon is covered, leaving a small hole at the top from which to remove the balloon and fill the pinata. Let the first layer dry completely. Each layer will take up to 24 hrs. to dry, so cover your leftover flour mixture and place in the refrigerator overnight to prevent spoiling. If it gets dry, add a little warm water. Apply a second layer to the balloon, this
time angling the strips in a horizontal direction, and overlapping. Let dry
and finish with a third layer. ~ How to Make a Pinata ~ Decorate It! Or, try this... cut 3 inch tissue paper squares, place a dab of glue in the center and stick to the pinata. The edges of the squares should not to glued down. Apply over the surface of the balloon for a cool layered effect. You can also cut pieces of crepe paper, fringe them, curl them around a pencil and glue them to the surface of the pinata. Hang crepe paper streamers from the bottom of the pinata
for the final touch. ~ How to Make a Pinata ~ Fill and Hang: Make 3 or 4 small holes around the top opening and thread a strong piece of string or yarn through them. Tie a longer string to it for hanging. Fill your pinata with wrapped candy, small toys, and
other goodies. ~ How to Make a Pinata ~
Playing the Pinata Game: Hang the pinata securely and spread a blanket or sheet
under it. Each player gets a chance to break the pinata. Blindfold the first
player and give them a bat or stick. Spin them 2 or 3 times and point them
in the direction of the pinata. Caution: Adult supervision is necessary
to keep children a safe distance from the player swinging at the pinata. Kids
are sure to rush in when the first pieces of candy fall, unaware that the player
is still swinging. ~ How to Make a Pinata ~ ~ How to Make a Pinata ~
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